So Much for Romance: ‘Somersault Kiss’ Meme Sets Off Wave of Injuries

A viral phenomenon dubbed the “somersault kiss” is sweeping the Chinese Internet, prompting the nation’s public security bureau to intercede on behalf of the country’s not-so-acrobatic enthusiasts.

For the past week, Chinese couples, friends and coworkers have been attempting the maneuver in bedrooms, dorms and parking lots across the country and uploading their results to the Internet. Like “planking and other absurd Internet trends, the phenomenon has quickly caught on, in no small part because the ungainly flailings of those attempting it make for such sympathetic watching.

In a well-executed performance of the stunt, a partner grasps the hands of a somersaulter who crouches, bent double, before performing a neat somersault and getting pulled up into the arms of the partner, who in turn gives him or her a kiss.

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Poorly done, it ends up with at least one of the pair getting knocked off-kilter, crumpled on the ground, or kicked in the face—much to the amusement of many Internet users, who have compiled round-ups cataloguing failures.

Even the country’s public security bureau has felt compelled to weigh in. This week, it issued a warning on one of its official Weibo accounts, which is dedicated to the fight against the “Four Blacks” (mostly a crackdown on the counterfeit industry and assorted vices), as well as the “Four Harms,” that is, harm to people, families, society and the country.

“This move requires a strong degree of arm strength, wrist strength, lower-back, stomach and back-muscle strength, as well as coordination,” read a message posted by the department’s “Fight the Four Blacks, Eliminate the Four Harms” account.

“Otherwise there’s a high risk of injury to your vertebrae and head. Please do not rashly try this. Don’t use your life to make a show of your love!”

The department’s post was accompanied by an animated wagging finger, as well as several choice clips of failed maneuvers resulting in people sprawled on the ground.

Watch more here, but take a warning from China’s many bruised knees and elbows and maybe don’t try this at home:

– Te-Ping Chen. Follow her on Twitter at @tepingchen
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